Case
Receiving Gifts

Are we to receive monetary gifts from parents? What if a parent gives you $100 just because. What are you suppose to do?

We have all received gifts from parents at some point in the school year; Christmas gifts, Birthday gifts, and teacher appreciation gifts. What is the limit of receiving gifts? Is this a breech in the code of ethics to receive such a gift? What should you do?

Posted on: 10/16/14 | Views: 1495
Solution #1
Top Solution
You should know your state's code of ethics when it comes to gifts. Most states say that there should be no exchange of funds for the following:.........., and most states are very similar. You should also set expectation for parents at the beginning of the school year not give gifts if it makes you uncomfortable.

I agree with this solution. Accepting money from parents seems wrong. We all know students love giving gifts to teachers to show their appreciation, but I don't feel accepting money is a line that should be crossed.

Yes it does not seem appropriate. I always thought candy, coffee mug, or even gift card. But money seems a bit much.

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Solution #2
You should check your states code of ethics. I am almost certain that every state is similar. You should not receive monetary gifts nor should you charge parents or their kids for services.

It is a kind gesture for a parents to offer money, but I agree that money is not an appropriate gift from a parent.

Yes I agree. Does not seem like it is appropriate.

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Solution #3
All gifts are a breach of the ethics code. That being said, all teachers receive gifts during holidays, I feel like small gifts from the students are okay, but when it comes to parents giving you gifts, especially money of that amount, I feel like that would not be right to accept that. $100 is way different than a small teddy bear for Christmas.

I agree. It definitely depends on the gift.

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Solution #4
I think that the best idea would to be to check the states code of ethics. I know that when I was in elementary school teacher appreciation week was a huge affair with the parents and teachers would receive many gifts. It may have simply been how involved parents were at my school but I feel that if you are uncomfortable with a large sum of money being given to you then you should politely decline. Another thing that this issue makes me think about is favoritism. It is very important that a teacher does not pick favorite students based on whether or not they receive a gift as this is a huge code of ethics violation.
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Solution #5
The code of ethics does not state that you are not allowed to accept gifts. It states "An educator shall maintain integrity with students, colleagues, parents, patrons, or businesses when accepting gifts, gratuities, favors, and additional compensation." In my interpretation, this means that an educator can accept tokens and small gifts with no ulterior motive in mind. If the gift is offered as gratitude, with no strings attached, it is acceptable. However, I think it is up to the teacher to know where to draw the line as far as how grand the "gesture" can be.
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Solution #6
It is important to know your states code of ethics. I think that giving/receiving money just because is a bit inappropriate.
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Solution #7
A gift of $100 just because is not acceptable, do not take the money and explain to the parent that it's not the same as a birthday or Christmas gift.
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Solution #8
It's not appropriate for teachers to receive or take gifts as a token of gratitude. Dismiss any offer in proper fashion and direct the gift to another cause.
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